CULTURE: Peas are a cool weather crop. Midsummer pickings are not as prolific as cool or mild weather harvests. For best yields ensure abundant phosphorus and a pH of 6.0-7.5. Adjust pH with ground limestone or wood ashes during planting. Plant the first sowing in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. In well-drained soil, sow 1-1 1/2″ apart in a 3″ band (25 seeds/ft.), 1/2-1″ deep. Make rows 12-18″ apart for dwarf types, 4-6′ apart if using a trellis. For easier picking, provide support at planting time with a trellis supported by posts. Do not thin. Harvest when peas enlarge in the pods.

TREATED SEEDS: Some varieties are offered UNTREATED and TREATED (T). Untreated seeds are more susceptible to rotting in prolonged cold, wet weather.

DISEASES: The most common disease is probably pea root rot (Fusarium sp. or Aphanomyces euteiches) which causes browning and drying of the foliage from the ground up. The best control is to ensure well-drained soil and to rotate crops out of legumes for at least three years. Powdery mildew causes white, powdery mold on the leaves, stems, and pods in hot weather. Choose resistant varieties..